Pachachutec & Sacred Garden

9:00 AM – Private Hotel Pickup in Cusco

Your Andean hummingbird adventure begins!

Your experience starts with a convenient pickup directly from your hotel in Cusco.

We’ll travel toward the district of San Jerónimo, heading into the Wanakauri micro-watershed, where the urban landscape gradually gives way to gardens, mountains, and Andean vegetation.

Along the way, discover the ecological importance of high-altitude ecosystems and the essential role hummingbirds play as pollinators.

Get your binoculars and camera ready. A completely different side of Cusco awaits!

9:30 AM – Arrival at Pachacútec Bosque Andino

Welcome to an Andean forest coming back to life.

Our first destination is Pachacútec Bosque Andino, a nature sanctuary and ecological restoration project in San Jerónimo, Cusco.

Here, you’ll discover how restoring native vegetation, establishing nectar-producing plants, protecting the soil, and caring for water resources can help support local biodiversity.

More than 15,000 nectar-producing plants have been established through the project’s restoration efforts, providing resources for hummingbirds, pollinating insects, and other bird species.

This visit offers a meaningful introduction to the relationship between habitat restoration and wildlife conservation.

9:45–10:30 AM – Hummingbird Watching & Birdwatching Experience

Meet the winged jewels of the Andes!

Explore the gardens, trails, and birdwatching areas of Pachacútec Bosque Andino in search of hummingbirds and other fascinating Andean birds.

Some of our target species include the Giant Hummingbird, Bearded Mountaineer, Sparkling Violetear, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Green-tailed Trainbearer, and Tyrian Metaltail.

Depending on bird activity and natural conditions, you may also encounter additional species associated with the surrounding Andean habitat.

Birdwatching takes place at a relaxed pace, always respecting wildlife behavior and avoiding unnecessary disturbance to the birds or their habitats.

Wildlife Photography Experience

Take advantage of natural lighting and bird activity to photograph hummingbirds among colorful flowers.

Explore opportunities to practice composition, focus, perched-bird photography, flight photography, and documenting natural behavior.

You don’t need to be a professional photographer. Every wildlife encounter is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature.

10:30–11:00 AM – Native Flowers, Plants & Ecological Restoration

Every flower tells a story. Every bird is part of that story.

During this part of the experience, we’ll explore the fascinating connections between flowering plants, insects, birds, soil, and water.

Discover how nectar-producing plants provide essential food resources for hummingbirds and why restoring vegetation is so important for preserving biodiversity.

You’ll learn that a forest is much more than a collection of trees and plants. It’s a living network of interconnected species and ecological relationships.

Here, you’re not simply watching birds. You’re discovering the ecosystem that makes their existence possible.

11:00 AM – Scenic Transfer to Sacred Garden

Following our first birdwatching experience, we’ll continue by private vehicle toward San Salvador.

Along the way, enjoy beautiful rural scenery, mountain landscapes, and views of the Andean countryside.

This scenic drive offers an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of natural environments and understand how different habitats can provide food and shelter for birdlife.

12:00 PM – Arrival at Sacred Garden

A peaceful garden where hummingbirds and flowers take center stage.

Welcome to Sacred Garden, our second birdwatching destination.

This beautiful setting offers a different environment from Pachacútec Bosque Andino, adding variety and new opportunities for wildlife encounters and photography.

We’ll explore its gardens and observation areas, paying special attention to hummingbirds and other birds attracted to the surrounding vegetation.

12:00–1:00 PM – Second Hummingbird Watching Experience

The search for Andean hummingbirds continues!

Our second birdwatching session focuses on the hummingbirds and other birds visiting Sacred Garden.

Take your time identifying different species, observing their distinctive characteristics, and appreciating their natural behavior.

Visiting both sanctuaries allows you to experience different birdwatching environments while discovering how flowering plants contribute to supporting nectar-feeding birds.

Nature Photography Session

Look for opportunities to photograph hummingbirds, flowers, and other bird species using the available natural light.

Each sanctuary offers its own photographic possibilities, making this an appealing experience for travelers who enjoy capturing the remarkable biodiversity of the Peruvian Andes.

1:00–2:00 PM – Lunch Break & Relaxation

Take a break and enjoy the peaceful Andean surroundings.

After an exciting morning of birdwatching and photography, enjoy some time to relax, share photographs, and appreciate the scenery.

Lunch is not included in the tour price.

However, lunch arrangements may be made in advance, subject to availability and additional charges.

This break also provides an opportunity to review the birds observed throughout the morning and share highlights from your experience.

2:00–3:00 PM – Final Birdwatching & Photography Session

One last opportunity to experience the magic of Andean birdlife.

Before returning to Cusco, enjoy a final session dedicated to birdwatching and nature photography.

You may wish to search for additional species, photograph hummingbirds visiting colorful flowers, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful natural setting.

It’s also a wonderful moment to reflect on what you’ve discovered throughout the day: the importance of native plants, the ecological role of pollinators, and the need to protect Andean ecosystems.

3:00 PM – Return Journey to Cusco

Following our visits to both hummingbird sanctuaries, we’ll begin our private journey back to Cusco.

Relax and enjoy the scenery as you reflect on your favorite bird sightings, photographs, and unforgettable moments from the day.

4:00 PM – Estimated Hotel Drop-off

Your experience concludes with a convenient transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

Please note: All times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, weather, and the group’s birdwatching pace.